Hinge mechanism



Dec. 23, 1969 E, M OCK 3,484,895

HINGE MECHANI SM Filed Feb. 8, 1967 FIG. 1.

M/VEA/ 7'02 DONALD 5 Max EDWARD D. O'BR/AN Arraezvsr United States Patent O 3,484,895 HINGE MECHANISM Donald E. Mock, Covina, Calif., assignor to Anjac Plastics, Inc., El Monte, Calif. Filed Feb. 8, 1967, Ser. No. 614,576 1 Int. Cl. Ed 1/04 US. Cl. 16-178 1 Claim ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The hinge comprises first and second hinge halves each of which carries a plurality of substantially concentric substantially cylindrical surfaces which interact with each other to permit hinging over a full 180 of the two hinge halves. This is accomplished by having three such surfaces on each hinge half, and maintaining at least two pairs of such surfaces in engagement throughout the entire swing of the hinge. By this means both hinge halves can be of uniform cross section throughout their entire length and thus they can be readily extruded to provide a simple, continuous inexpensive hinge.

BACKGROUND Hinges which permit 180 rotation of the hinge halves are well known in the art. Prior hinges of this nature comprise interlocking fingers positioned along the length of the hinge axis and an axial pin engaging these interlocking fingers. It is clear that such hinges are very satisfactory for their purpose. However, they are not of uniform cross section and therefore cannot be simply extruded. If the base material is extruded, a second operation is required to cut out the spaces between the fingers. This is not only time consuming and thus expensive, but it also prevents the hinge from being a true continuous hinge. Spaces between the hinge halves permit the transmission of light. Therefore, it is desirable to have a hinge which interlocks over its entire length. Such can be accomplished by using a flexible hinge material wherein flexure of the hinge material permits the hinging. Such is advantageous in some applications, but also has disadvantages. For example, since the hinge material is relatively limp, it cannot be directly used for engagement over the edges of plain drapery panels. It is too flexible for that purpose. Furthermore, such hinge material necessarily has internal stresses due to such hinging, and thus full freedom of hinging cannot be accomplished. Also, accurate hinging about an axis cannot be obtained, so that the geometric positioning of adjacent parts is variable. Also in the prior art are a few interconnecting structures between panels wherein a cylindrical pivot bar is engaged in a cylindrical socket. However, in that case, the cylindrical socket must engage more than 180 around the pivot bar in order to l retain it in position. This limits rotation of the pivot bar on its axis to less than 180". As a practical matter, the limitations of such structures usually limiting hinging to 90.

SUMMARY This invention is directed to a hinge mechanism, and particularly a hinge mechanism which is of uniform cross section so that the two parts thereof can be readily extruded. Furthermore, the two parts of the hinge mechanism are related in such a manner that they are hinged to gether so that they can swing a full 180 with respect to each other. The two parts are each continuous parts so that a continuous hinge results.

More particularly, the hinge mechanism of this invention comprises first and second hinge halves which have cooperative surfaces for radial constraint of the hinge halves through a 180 of rotation. The first hinge half has 3,484,895 Patented Dec. 23, 1969 three concentric bearing surfaces, each being at a different radius and each extending at least At least one is an external bearing surface. The second hinge half also has three bearing surfaces. It has surfaces at different concentric radii which correspond to the surfaces of the first hinge half, and including at least one internal sur face, corresponding to the external surface of the first hinge half. These are interrelated so that during part of the rotation some of the pairs of surfaces constrain radial motion and during other parts of the hinge rotation other pairs of surfaces constrain rotation. By this means, a full hinge freedom is obtainable.

It is an object of this invention to provide a hinge mechanism which can be readily extruded because it is of continuous cross section throughout its length, the hinge halves being interrelated in such a manner that the hinge mechanism is capable of 180 opening. It is another object of this invention to provide an extrudable hinge mechanism which does not require further operations after extrusion to cut out interlocking fingers to produce hinges capable of rotating 180, to thus conserve time and labor required to produce the hinge. It is another object of this invention to provide a continuous hinge with complete longitudinal interlocking which is capable of rotating 180 to thus prevent the transmission of light between the hinge parts. It is a further object of this invention to provide a hinge mechanism which can be made out of relatively rigid parts so that it is capable of being extruded integrally with relatively rigid drapery panels, or directly attached to drapery panels or other structures. It is another object of this invention to produce a hinge mechanism which is economic of manufacture and of long life so as to produce an inexpensively available hinge mechanism of long and trouble-free life. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following portion of this specification, the claim and the attached drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view, with parts broken away, of a drapery structure embodying the hinge mechanism of this invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged section, with parts broken away, taken generally along the line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial section of one of the hinge mechanisms, showing it in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of one of the hinge halves, showing a different form of attachment to a panel.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged vertical section showing vertical interlocking between drapery panels.

DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings in more detail, a drapery structure employing the hinge mechanism of this invention is generally indicated at 10. Drapery structure 10 comprises drapery panels 12, 14 and 16 which respectively are hinged together at 18 and 20. Track 22 is suitably supported and carries trolleys 24 and 28. Trolleys 24 and 28 have mechanism thereon so that they can freely move along track 22, in accordance with the requirements of opening or closing drapery structure 10. Trolleys 24 and 28 are respectively pivotally secured to drapery panels 12 and 16 so that the drapery panels can fold with respect to each other in accordian fashion while the trolleys move along track 22 as the drapery structure 10 is opened and closed.

If desired, the center drapery panel 14 can be supported by an additional trolley identical to trolleys 24 and 28. However, the preferred support of panel 14 is by the hinge interengagement, as is described below, for it is a more economic means for the support of the panel.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, hinges 18 and are particularly adapted to be secured to relatively rigid and separately manufactured drapery panels 12, 14 and 16. To accomplish this, as is seen in FIG. 2 the hinges are formed separately from the drapery panels. However, if desired, the hinges can be integrally formed with the drapery panels, so that each drapery panel is extruded with its hinges already unitarily formed along the edges thereof. However, in the instant structure, they are separately produced and later secured together.

Hinge 18 is made up of first hinge half and second hinge half 32. Similarly, hinge 20 is made up of first hinge half 34 and second hinge half 36. From inspection of the drawings it is clear that hinge half 30 is identical with hinge half 34, but they are oppositely oriented on their respective panels. Similarly, hinge halves 32 and 36 are identical, but oppositely oriented. This opposite orientation is provided so that the .hinges hinge in the proper direction for accordian folding. From the straight position of FIG. 2, hinge 18 is positioned to hinge upward while hinge 20 is positioned to hinge downward. The additional hinges along the length of drapery structure 10 are similarly alternately arranged to accomplish this accordian folding result.

Referring now in particular detail to the hinge halves, hinge half 30 has flanges 38 and 40 which extend from the body of the hinge half to define a channel therebetween. The channel is for the introduction and securement of drapery panel 12. In order to determine the proper depth entry of drapery panel 12 into the channel, stop 42 extends into the open channel from flange 38. Hinge half 30 is formed with three concentric bearing surfaces. Hinge axis 44 is defined by these bearing surfaces. First surface 46 is formed on the interior of hinge body 48. It is a cylindrical surface about axis 44 and extends for slightly more than 90 to therefore define a slightly more than quadrant cylindrical surface. Hinge body 48 extends through connecting wall 50 to define a second surface 52. Second surface 52 is also cylindrical in form, so far as it extends and it extends slightly more than a quadrant. The included quadrants of first surface 46 and second surface 52 are in opposite quadrature to each other. Since they both extend more than a quadrant, the open ends 54 and 56 of these surfaces are less than 90 with respect to each other about axis 44. Both surfaces 46 and 52 are interior surfaces. Hinge half 30 is provided with a third surface 58 which is also concentric about axis 44 and extends through the same quadrant as surface 52. Thus, it lies in the same quadrant.

Hinge half 32 cooperates with the above defined structure of hinge half 30. First, it has flanges 60 and 62 which define a channel therebetween for the acceptance and securement of drapery panel 14. Hinge half 32 extends forward and includes hinge body 64. Hinge body 64 has an exterior or first surface 66 which is concentric about axis 44. It is cylindrical in curvature and extends for more than a quadrant. Its radius is slightly less than the radius of first surface 46, with which it cooperates in sliding relationship. First surface 66 terminates at end 68. Second surface is again cylindrical in form about axis 44. Surface 70 extends through slightly more than three quadrants and is connected to the remainder of body 64 by means of web 72. Body 64 has third surface 74. Third surface 74 is also concentric about axis 44, and has a slight clearance with respect to surface 58 when the second surfaces 52 and 70 are in engagement. It will be noted that surfaces 66, 70 and 74 are all directed into the same quadrant, and each extends more than the quadrant. For example, surface 66 extends more than the quadrant. For example, surface 66 extends past the quadrant to terminate at end 68. Furthermore, surface 70 extends through 3 quadrants in the counter clockwise direction from web 72.

As is seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, connecting wall 50 and end 68 are formed in such a manner as to provide the desired quadratures and extensions beyond the quadrants. Wall 50 is of such shape as to permit surface 46 to extend in the clockwise direction past its quadrant point, and yet provide uniform wall thickness. Web 72 is shaped to provide as much surface 66 in the clockwise direction past its quadrant to end 68 as is possible. Therefore, it is shaped to lie closely against connecting wall 50 when the hinge is in the fully closed position shown in FIG. 3. The opening limit of hinge halves 30 and 32 is defined by the shoulder on hinge body 64, at the end of surface 74 in the counter clockwise direction, engaging upon the facing part of connecting wall 50. Since this stop acts at maximum possible radius, it is most positive with minimum stress.

It is seen that the full 180 hinging action of this hinge is accomplished through the proper shaping of two hinge halves, each of which is of uniform cross section so that they provide a continuous hinge which prevents light transmission, and a continuous hinge which does not require second operations to form axially positioned interengaging fingers. The action is accomplished by having second surfaces 52 and 70 coact with each other throughout the entire hinge motion. These second surfaces are held in coacting position, starting from the position of hinge of FIG. 2, by means of coacting third surfaces 58 and 74. These retain the hinge halves in proper hinging position during the first part of hinge motion from the open position illustrated ini FIG. 2. However, the first surfaces 46 and 66 are arranged so that they interengage and coact to retain surfaces 52 and 70 in their proper relationship, before surface 74 moves away from surface 58. Thus, the second surfaces remain in engagement through the entire hinging operation, and the first surfaces come into engagement for retention of the second surfaces before the third surfaces are disengaged from each other. Thus, contact progresses between the pairs of surfaces, with each of the pairs of surfaces being in interengagement at the same time at an intermediate position at the change over. Thus, retention of the second surface is accomplished at one position by interengagement of the first surfaces, and at an intermediate position by interengagement of both the first surfaces and both the third surfaces. This simple hinge structure is capable of providing for 180 hinging.

As previously discussed, the hinge halves 30 and 32 can be directly extruded with panels 12 and 14. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the hinge halves are separately manufactured from the drapery panels. This is because the drapery panels for which they were specifically designed were not capable of being extruded in the same direction as the hinges. However, it is clear that they may either be extruded together as a unitary structure, or separately attached. Attachment may be adhesive as is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, or may be mechanical as is illustrated in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, one vertical edge of drapery panel 76 is illustrated. It is understood that the other edge of drapery panel 76 is identical as far as its attachment means is concerned. Furthermore, hinge half 78 is illustrated as being attached to drapery panel 76. Again, hinge half 78 is identical to hinge half 32, as far as its hinging function is concerned. Only its attaching structure is different. Furthermore, it is understood that the other hinge half, which meets with the hinge half 78, when used in conjunction with hinge half 78 preferably has the attaching means of hinge 'half 78. Hinge half 78 has flanges 80 and 82 which define a channel therebetween for the introduction of drapery panel 76. The ends of the flanges have engaement ribs 84 and 86 respectively which enter into longitudinal grooves of corresponding Shape adjacent the edges of drapery panel 76, as is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this embodiment, the material of hingle half 78 is preferably sufficiently resilient that drapery panel 76 may be thrust into the channel defined by flanges 80 and 82 until the engaging ribs snap into their corresponding grooves. Such engagement positively retains the drapery panel and the hinge half in proper interrelationship.

FIG. 2 illustrates panels 12, 14 and 16 after hinging has just begun. From the clearances within the hinges as shown in this figure, it is clear the panels will lie in a single plane when the hinges are fully straightened out. The internal stops provided by end 56 engaging upon web 72 limit the opening to the situation in which the panels lie in the same plane. Thus, FIG. 2 illustrates the position of the hinges immediately after the beginning of hinging motion from the outward limit position, and FIG. 3 illustrates the position of 180 from the full open position.

As is stated above, panel 14 can be supported at its top edge by means of a trolley similar to trolleys 24 and 28. However, it is more economic to support alternate panels by means of interengagement of the hinges. As is seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, hinge 18 has the extending portion of body 48 of hinge half 30 cut away to provide upwardly facing stop 88. Similarly, hinge half 36 of hinge 20 has the flange portion of its body cut away to provide upwardly facing stop 90. Plugs 92 and 94 are respectively specially extruded to fit on hinge half 32 and on 'hingehalf 34 and be secured thereto. These plugs extend downward and respectively engage stop faces 98 and 90 so as to provide for panel 14. Plugs 92 and 94 are readily secured in place by adhesive means or the like. They do not interfere with hinging, but simply provide for vertical thrust bearing to carry the vertical load of the panel 14.

Furthermore, while the hinge mechanism of this invention is particularly desirable for the hinging of adjacent drapery panels, it is clear that the hinge mechanism is of very wide utility and can be used for the hinging of any two adjacent structures wherein the hinging action is limited to rotation of not much more than 180'. Thus, the hinge mechanism of this invention is of general utility.

With respect to materials, the materials of hinges 18 and 20 are preferably thermoplastic synthetic polymer composition materials. However, they can also be extruded out of metal, such as the aluminum alloys particularly suited for extrusion purposes. When extruded out of synthetic polymer composition material, the materials are preferably rigid to prevent deflections which would interfere with hinging action. However, rather than being very hard and brittle, they are preferably of tough material. Examples of suitable materials are only slightly plasticized polyvinyl chloride, only slightly plasticized polyvinyl acetate, and copolymers of them, vinyl and the like. A great meany synthetic polymer composition materials which fall into the thermoplastic class are suitable for this service, and thermoplasticity is only required because of the preferred method of manufacture. Many other well known materials are also suitable.

This invention having been described in its preferred embodiment, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous modifications and changes within the ability of those skilled in the art and without the exercise of the inventive faculty. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is defined by the scope of the following claim.

What is claimed is:

1. A hinge mechanism comprising first and second halves which are rotatable with respect to one another;

said first hinge half having a body which includes:

(a) means for mounting said body;

(b) a first cylindrical surface, said first surface being an interior surface and extending partway around an axis;

(c) a second cylindrical surface, said second surface being an interior surface and extending partway around said axis;

(d) a third cylindrical surface, said third surface being an exterior surface concentric with said second surface and extending partway around said axis;

(e) a connecting wall connecting the portion of said body containing said first cylindrical surface and the portion of said body containing said second and third cylindrical surfaces;

said hinge half having a body which includes:

(a) means for mounting said body;

(b) a first cylindrical surface, said first surface being an exterior surface and extending partway around an axis;

(c) a second cylindrical surface, said second surface being a partially interior and a partially exterior surface and extending partway around said axis;

(d) a third cylindrical surface, said third surface being an interior surface located on the part of said body containing said first surface and being concentric with said first surface and extending partway around an axis;

(e) a web connecting the portion of said body containing said first and third surfaces with the portion of said body having said second surface;

said hinge halves fitting together so as to be capable of being rotated between an open position and a folded position;

in said open position said second. surfaces on said hinge halves fitting closely against and being movable with respect to one another and said third surfaces on said hinge halves fitting closely against and being movable with respect on one another;

in said folded position said first surfaces on said hinge halves fitting closely against and being movable with respect to one another and said second surfaces on said hinge halves fitting closely against and being movable with respect to one another;

in said open position said means for mounting on said hinge halves extending in opposite directions and in said folded position said means for mounting extending in the same direction;

in said folded position said web being located against said connecting wall and in said open position said web being located against an extremity of said body on said first hinge half;

said first, second and third cylindrical surfaces on said hinge halves being dimensioned so that said hinge halves are incapable of being separated as they are rotated about said axis.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,302,661 11/1942 Benson l6-178 3,359,594 12/1967 Pastoor 16-l78 FOREIGN PATENTS 777,456 6/1957 Great Britain.

BOBBY R. GAY, Primary Examiner DORIS L. TROUTMAN, Assistant Examiner 

